Section membership and volunteer engagement, specifically among early career and international members, had been declining over the years. The Community model was tested with the Emerging Topics Community and proved several successes with a stronger focus on member value and engagement. The collected data and feedback from volunteer surveys showed that Millennial actuaries seek flexible involvement beyond elected roles, while international members want to feel more included in the community. The new Community model allows for greater thought leadership, member connection, and opportunities for innovation.

Communities are designed to provide members with:

• Increased Engagement - More ways to engage with peers and industry thought leaders through topic calls and content collaboration
• Global, Inclusive Experience - Flexible participation options with subgroups focused on specific areas of interest
• Expanded Leadership Roles - Opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills beyond traditional elections
• Enhanced Content and Events - Interactive features and cross-industry events
• Future-Focused Topics – Responsive to industry trends
• No Membership Dues for SOA Members – Communities are a benefit for SOA members

This shift aligns with the SOA’s strategic vision to create a more accessible, innovative, and dynamic member experience.

Communities are free for all ASA and FSA members. Affiliates and non-members are also able to join Communities for $25/year.

Yes! Communities are meant to be collaborative groups that welcome anyone passionate about their respective broader areas of practice or professional interests, providing direct access to subject matter expertise.

Communities build on the best parts of sections while introducing new ways to connect and lead.

Communities offer valuable high-quality interactive resources, such as extended newsletter content, webinars, seminars, podcasts, and topic calls in areas you resonate with. Additionally, Communities will have the flexibility to introduce new event formats and collaborative opportunities across multiple practice areas.

Communities are designed to be more inclusive and accessible to our global membership. With the evolution, members across regions can easily participate in discussions and events, breaking down geographic barriers. Community volunteers can create subgroups to dive deeper into niche topics or connect with members in their region by establishing groups focused on a geographical area.

Sections will be re-homed within seven total Communities. Section Council leaders will be meeting with their sections to provide updates and further information on where a section falls within these new community homes. Find your community.

If you’re currently in a section, no action is required. You’ll automatically transition into a corresponding Community in fall 2025. If you would like to join a Community, you will have the opportunity to do so in November 2025.

Each Community will be led by a mix of elected and non-elected volunteers. The Community Advisory Team (9-12 elected members) provides strategic guidance, while Topic Subgroups and the Content and Engagement Work Group (non-elected members) support discussions, content creation, and networking.

Instead of individual dues, Communities will receive budget allocations based on need, ensuring equitable support for events, research, and programming.

Elections will continue for the Community Advisory Team in spring 2025, with additional opportunities for non-elected volunteer roles. Any elected Section leaders that have a term beyond 2025 will rotate onto their mapped Community Advisory Team, as desired. More details on the process to volunteer for non-elected roles will be available as we approach the transition.

Spring 2025 – Community leadership onboarding begins
Summer 2025 – Sections will begin working together as Communities and planning meetings under this new structure.
Fall 2025 – Communities are officially live, and members can now fully engage.

Research from the communities will now be funded through a Community Research Committee. This committee is made up of one member from each of the seven Community Advisory Teams and will serve as a main point of contact for all Community research questions.

Communities provide learning and networking opportunities for members through podcasts, newsletter articles, topic calls, and webcast production.